There Is No Zionism without Judaism

If we cut ourselves off from 3,000 years of Judaism, we will lose the right to our existence in our historic homeland.

A.B. Yehoshua's remarks at the recent conference of the American Jewish Committee predictably kicked up a storm on both sides of the ocean. In Israel people charged that it is not true that Israelis are indifferent to the fate of Diaspora Jewry, and in the United States they said that were it not for their continuous aid and staunch support on behalf of Israel, the country would not have survived. On both sides, again and as always, this was the usual paternalistic reaction. We know what is good for you, we help you. Without us you will not survive.

But Yehoshua's remarks about the relations between Israel and the Diaspora, as infuriating as they may be, disturb me less than the way he described his own identity: My identity is Israeli, he said. The Jewish religion does not play a role in my life; it is the territory and the language that build my identity.

This definition of identity grants a bill of divorcement to the Jewish people, to the Jewish heritage, to 3,000 years of culture, creativity, prayer, rituals and tradition.

This definition of identity grants a bill of divorcement to the Jewish people, to the Jewish heritage, to 3,000 years of culture, creativity, prayer, rituals, tradition and everything that is subsumed in the term Judaism, and shows a preference for the Israeli "nation," which "arose from the sea" 100 years ago. For Yehoshua -- and many, many others in Israel -- the only thing that is important, existential and relevant from the Jewish perspective is what happens here, in Israel; everything outside Israel is obsolete and its fate is to be lost. In making this claim, Yehoshua undermines and weakens the justification for the State of Israel.

The internal debate among us here on the question of the country's borders, and the discussion of the correct way to achieve peace in our region, derive entirely from the assumption that the State of Israel has a right to exist - morally, legally and historically. This assumption faces constant questioning. The Hamas people try to undermine it, as do many other leaders in the Palestinian and Arab world. And many intellectuals in the Western world, who have adopted the Arab narrative that sees in us an anachronistic remnant of old colonialism, also try to undermine this assumption. Facing these debilitating forces is the belief held by many others in the world in the Jewish people's right to a national state in its historical homeland. We can win the struggle between these two approaches only if we ourselves, those of us who live in Zion, believe this and feel this way.

Ultra-Orthodox disciples of the Gaon from Vilna who immigrated to the Land of Israel in the 18th century, Zionist socialists at the end of the 19th century, and assimilated Jews from Soviet Russia who fought for their right to immigrate at the end of the 20th century -- they had nothing in common with regard to their perception of the Jewish tradition. However, all of them saw themselves as partners in the realization of the same ancient dream, the ancient Jewish prayer to return to the Land of Israel. All of them saw themselves as part of a special people and of the unique historical process of the return to Zion. This belief was the source of their strength and the only guarantee of their success.

There is no Zionism without Judaism and there never has been. Just as the Israeli people has never had a right to the Land of Israel. Only the Jewish people. It was the Jewish people that received the Balfour Declaration, and it was they who were granted by the United Nations the legal right to establish a state. It was the Jewish people that returned to its ancient homeland, for which it had prayed and longed for, for 2,000 years. For if we are talking about the Israeli "people" -- how is the right of a "people" that has existed for about 100 years greater than or equal to that of the Palestinians, who have been living on their land for about 300 years? What really distinguishes it from other colonial projects that have vanished from the earth?

It was clear to Arafat that the historical connection that is anchored and based in Jewish tradition is the basis for the existence of the State of Israel.

The discussion of our right to the land and the war between our narrative and theirs is not a purely philosophical discussion. At least not in the eyes of the Palestinian leaders. When the leaders of Hamas, like Yasser Arafat in his day, were or are prepared to consider recognition of the fact of Israel's existence, but not its right to existence, they are not playing word games. That is why Arafat reiterated over and over again his supposedly historical claims with regard to the absence of the connection between the Temple Mount and the Jewish people. It was clear to him that the historical connection that is anchored and based in Jewish tradition is the basis for the existence of the State of Israel, and without it, the state will disappear, just as it "appeared from the sea."

The difference between Israeli identity according to Yehoshua and Jewish identity is exactly the difference between the fact of existence and the right to exist. The difference is between a group of people that lives on a piece of land and speaks the Hebrew language, and the descendants of a people that is scattered throughout the world, who have returned to their historic homeland.

If, heaven forbid, we cut ourselves off from the chain that links us to the Jewish people, if we cut ourselves off from 3,000 years of Judaism, if we cut ourselves off from being the realization of 2,000 years of Jewish hope -- for next year in Jerusalem -- then we will lose the right to our existence. And in losing that right, we will be lost.

Perhaps the Jews of the Diaspora were insulted by Yehoshua's blunt remarks, but we, the Jews of the Land of Israel, we must rise up against them, for this is a matter of the very fact of our existence.

Visitor Comments: 18

(16)
jonah,
April 29, 2008 8:48 PM

judaism is not zionism

at heart, judaism is zionism. all jews yearn for moschiach to come. but the israeli zionism so prevalent among secular israelis has nothing to do with judaism whatsoever. israeli nationalism has nothing to do with judaism. the israeli flag even has nothing to do with judaism. only the mitzvos has to do with judaism

(15)
Anonymous,
July 6, 2006 12:00 AM

What Natan Sharansky says is so poshet-ly obvious, that it is infuriating that more people don't understand it. It is mind-numbing to contemplate that otherwise intelligent people believe in the nonsense that Zionism can exist without Judaism. If anyone has any doubts about this, they would just need to look at the American Jewish community. It is only the orthodox who care about Israel, visit Israel, and support Israel. What many secular Jews fail to understand, the Palestinians understand quite well, as Natan Sharansky pointed out.

(14)
Arthur,
June 15, 2006 12:00 AM

This might be true but.....

It is also the case that there can be no Judiaism without Zionism.

The perpetuity of the religion is important, but from the beginging of time Jews have always strived to live in Israel, in Zion

Interesting,
February 8, 2014 3:27 AM

No Judiaism without Zionism?

I'm certain Judaism was very alive before zionism ever reared its face. By the way the Orthodox are a dying bread, Labovich is taking over with real Judaism not Politics. You see the politics would become, and is often becoming, the only legitimate reason to hate Jews. Ironically Judaism without politics is practically unhateable, there is really two exclusive choices on the table. "Jewish" Nationalism VS Judaism, and only one of those choices has a clear ethical voice above all political opinions.

(13)
Anonymous,
June 5, 2006 12:00 AM

Thank you for forwarding the article by Natan Sharansky. If you permit me a far fetched analogy: Zionism without Judaism is like beef stew without the beef.
Are there any statistics available, for Israel and the diaspora, that would indicate the number of Jews who believe that Zionism can exist without Judaism? G'd help us if there is a significant proportion that thinks that way.

(12)
Allen Maserow,
June 4, 2006 12:00 AM

The Truth!

Natan Sharansky's article is the truth; historically, factually, Zionistically and religiously. I pray that I get the courage to one day soon pack up and make aliyah. But I shall pray for Israel and the Jews always. Shavuot sameach!

Anonymous,
February 8, 2014 3:30 AM

Please make that move now, you're actually hurting the religion by not living Isreal

Please make that move now, you're actually hurting the religion by not living Israel. By teaching people that they should hate Judaism, if they hate whatever Israel has been doing recently. By being an Isreali, that hatred wouldn't pour over everyone who values Judaism and it's teachings.

(11)
yael Siegel,
June 2, 2006 12:00 AM

I thought I could live six months in Israel and six months in the US each year. That was not possile. To whom do I owe my alligence?

(10)
Shy Guy,
May 31, 2006 12:00 AM

Sharansky has a Jewish heart

A Jewish heart, however, is not the only thing we must have. The words "G-d", "Torah" and "Mitzvot" are, not suprisingly, missing from this article. It read's like Israel's declaration of independence.

G-d established conditions for us to remain in Eretz Yisrael. We need someone who can tell it like it is.

(9)
Rodrigo Sacca,
May 30, 2006 12:00 AM

I can't believe leftist israeli so-called intellectuals can make such idiotic statements sometimes as "My identity is Israeli, he said. The Jewish religion does not play a role in my life; it is the territory and the language that build my identity." That might imply that if he moved from Israel, his identity would change. Thank you Mr Sharansky for speaking up against stupidity. You have a brilliant mind and I hope you play a larger role in israeli politics.

(8)
b'hira Simonah,
May 29, 2006 12:00 AM

take off the dome of the rock

Dear Mr. Olmert,
I am not an Israeli, but I believe if the archaeologists dig deeply enough, what they will find is the basis for a Jewish State. Our temple can be restored above the wailing wall, and Jerusalem can be proven to be the center of Jewish life, undivided. Let the Palestinians, en masse, find their home within the borders of Saudi Arabia - wealthy, able to create a viable Palestinian Nation with all the ammenaties available to them, and end this nonsense. Arabs need to find peace amongst themselves, the true message of their Messiah, Allah. It cannot be done in bits and pieces like half of Jerusalem, a West Bank, etc. are their sovereign borders. Mecca and Medina are their holy cities. The Saudis ought to consider their cousins in need seriously - the Israelis must bring this idea to the world peace negotiators. Family is family. World pressure is overdue on the Saudi family to welcome and create a primary Palestinian State.

(7)
Remedy Hawke,
May 29, 2006 12:00 AM

Ok, NOW I don't like him!

I know I agreed that we all need to go to Israel, SOON. But what he is claiming now really bugs me. And it's contradictory. How can he claim that all jews need to make aliyah in one 'speech', and yet insist that judaism means nothing to him? Bogus.

(6)
I.Benchimol,
May 29, 2006 12:00 AM

N.Sharansky

Very good position.For discussion with my children a sound reasoning.Thanks

(5)
Susan Rubinstein,
May 28, 2006 12:00 AM

Israel is jewish and the jewish people are Israel, from Jacob

The jewish people are Israel even if they live in other countries...We are all from one clan and that is a fact....I have heard an Israeli say to me "I'm not jewish, I'm ISraeli" and this man also claimed to be a non-believer in G-d. I said to him, I am jewish, my father is a cohane, my mom a Levy, both born in poland, raised in the USA, and they as well as I belong more to the land of Israel than you." Why he asked ? "Because we practice our faith, and come from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and believe in G-d of Israel, you do not even though you are living there now." We are Israel and Israel is jewish. This is a historical FACT! We'll always say "next year in Jerusalem" until we all move there as one.

(4)
Annette Glassner,
May 28, 2006 12:00 AM

Bravo!

Bravo to Natan Sharansky for his remarks. I can only hope that other Israelis realize the wisdom in what he says. All Jews have a stake in the Land of Israel, and it is up to all of us to forge relationships with each other, to fight for the truth, and understand that our enemies recognize these truths better than we do.

(3)
julia,
May 28, 2006 12:00 AM

psychological distress

i think two things are occuring here. one, the israeli people are under great distress, and thus, like everyone under extreme stress, have a tunnel vision. this is normal and healthy for people who are constantly defending themselves. second, judaism, when applied well is invisible. it is a culture and an uncontious belief system. even if you have to do certain mitzvahs every day, when in the context of society, if the society is jewish, the activites no longer seem distinctively jewish. its something you choose to do, and it doesn't force you to realize how jewish and different you are. is israel is jewish enough that people don't realize they are thoroughly jewish, how can that be so terrible. i live in a city of 1.2 million and there is not a single kosher restraunt. i am very aware everytime i go out to eat how jewish i am. the only people who understand remotely how different i feel when we go out to eat are the friends who have severe food allergies and have to constantly modify their orders as well. i think it is sad, but not a death sentence that many people think israeli and jewish are different.

(2)
Michal,
May 28, 2006 12:00 AM

You are right!

You are absolutely right, Mr. Sharansky.
And I find it good you wrote this article. I share your opinion.
Thank you!
Shalom! Michal

(1)
raye,
May 28, 2006 12:00 AM

Israel = Jewish or is it Hebrew

I thought that all Israelis were required to have a Jewish education. What blatant ignorance for one to say "I am Israeli, I'm not Jewish." I wonder how an Israeli would answer if asked "Are you a Hebrew?

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

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